67 cases of face and neck cellulitis managed at the Brazzaville Teaching Hospital

Introduction. Face and neck cellulitis is an infection of cellular adipose tissues of the head and neck. These are common compli-cations but true diagnostic and therapeutic emergencies. We had for aim to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of these infections treated under local anesthesia at the Brazzaville teaching hospital. Materiel and methods. We conducted a retrospective study from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2008 on 67 cases of patients admitted to the ENT and Stomatology units of the Brazzaville teaching hospital. Results. We included 47 male (70%) and 20 female (30%) patients (sex ratio 2.35) with a mean age 21 years (range 14-69 years of age). The cause of infection was dental in 75% of cases, lymph nodes in 24% of cases, and otologic in 1% of cases. The treatment was medical and surgical. Discussion. Cervico-facial cellulitis more frequently concerns young adults. Neglect, poor oral hygiene, and ignorance contribute to the occurrence of these complications. The main portal of entry is dental. The authors recommend the antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy associated with incision and drainage.